Acne by Skin Type

One of the great truths about acne is that it perhaps the most common affliction on the planet, but the manner in which it is treated varies greatly from person to person.  Though acne formation is primarily the result of clogged skin pores and bacteria accumulation, the type of skin that you possess also plays a significant role in the frequency, severity and the kind of acne that you are forced to contend with.  It would be prudent, thus, for you to determine your own skin type and understand its interaction with acne, so that you will know what daily cleansing regimen you need to adopt, and how to deal with acne when it strikes. 

Skin generally falls under one of three primary types: normal skin, oily skin and dry skin.  Sub-types of these primary skin types exist, as combination types, sensitive skin, and skin that is particularly prone to acne. 

You probably have oily skin if you tend to have an oily scalp and hair, you accumulate an oily film on your nose, chin and forehead while you sleep or throughout the course of a day, you get tanned easily, or any make-up you wear, especially foundation, has a tendency to wear off within a few hours.  Oily skin is more susceptible to acne because of the constant production of sebum, the natural skin oil that contributes to the clogging of pores.  If you have oily skin, you can expect recurring blackheads and enlarged pores throughout your life, as well as patches of skin flakes around the nose, where oil likes to build up.  You should invest in a good cleanser that doesn’t dry your skin out, but that effectively washes away excess oil.  Cleaning your face and other susceptible areas should occur about twice a day, though you may have to add an extra washing on days that are particularly hot and sticky. 

Dry skin is characterized by fine pores and less acne than the average person, since the skin is not constantly moisturized or kept supple by natural oil production.  This may be good news for you if acne is your only concern, but your skin ends up feeling and looking tight, rough and leathery.  Cleansing is of course important, but so is the purchase and judicious usage of a moisturizer, to prevent you from looking dried up and older than your actual age.

Normal skin is exactly as it sounds, not too dry or oily, and it maintains an equilibrium that avoids blemishes and looks healthy at all times.  Normal skin is smooth to the touch and relatively easy to care for, with resort to a daily cleansing ritual and the occasional spot treatment to deal with the few acne lesions you will be dealing with in adolescence and young adulthood. 

Sensitive skin can be identified from the patchwork of broken capillaries and blood vessels underneath the surface.  As its name implies, it is quite delicate and susceptible to acne outbreaks if it is exposed to excessive stimulation or irritation from the environment or poor cleansing practices.  If you have this skin type, be careful with the products that you use, always checking against harsh ingredients that may cause acne to form, and try to keep up a healthy diet and exercise regularly to stay in shape. 

Return to Acne Treatment Guide Main Page

Text copyright 2010 AcneTreatmentGuideSite.com and may not be reproduced without consent. This is not the official web page of any of the products or places listed on this site, this is a review page created by an individual. Consult your doctor before beginning any treatment.